Survivor: Caramoan β Fans vs. Favorites is the 26th season of the American CBS competitive reality television series Survivor . The contestants included 10 new players, the "Fans", and 10 former players, the "Favorites", from six previous seasons returning for their second chance at the game. The Favorites include Erik Reichenbach, a "Fan" from the original "Fans vs. Favorites" season, Survivor: Micronesia . Similar to Russell Hantz during Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, the Favorites did not have an opportunity to see Malcolm's game-play in Survivor: Philippines, due to Philippines and this season being filmed back to back. The two premerge tribes were "Bikal" and "Gota", named for towns in the Caramoan Islands. The merged tribe was known as "Enil Edam", which contestant Malcolm Freberg named after his mother.

Ten ultra-fans of the show compete against 10 former castaways on the Caramoan Islands. The fans comprise the Gota tribe, while the favorites make up the Bikal tribe.

Following the first elimination of the season, Brandon targets Dawn as the leader of what he sees as an unsuitable vote and matchless teamwork and disorganization from one tribe leaves little room for competition during a tiered Immunity Challenge.

Corinne and Malcolm's special bond leads to a discovery that could liven up the game, and alliances shift and unrest ensues just before an intense Tribal Council.

After suffering a medical emergency, one Castaway's ability to play the game is in danger.

The Favorites must contend with an out-of-control Brandon when he stuns his tribemates and reveals his hidden desire to sabotage their camp, leading up to a history-making meltdown.

A shake-up with the Tribes creates chaos and new alliances. Meanwhile, the game is thrown off-balance when one Tribe's change results in a strength disparity between Gota and Bikal.

As the newly formed Bikal Tribe continues to struggle physically in challenges, they grow increasingly tired of Phillip's attitude. Meanwhile, over at the Gota Tribe, Reynold shares confidential information about his hidden Immunity Idol that could change his game.

All bets are off when Bikal and Gota merge, as castaways reunite to plot a potential blindside in the new tribe. Also, with individual immunity now on the line, castaways must stomach exotic foods of beetle larvae and brains during a classic "Survivor" food eating challenge.

One castaway learns a secret that will potentially change the game, and chaos ensues when confused castaways are undecided on whether to vote out an easy target or blindside a big threat.

An accident threatens one castaway's future in the game, and in one of the most shocking Tribal Councils, a huge revelation forces an alliance to scramble and potentially turn on each other.

The popular food auction returns and the Three Amigos concoct a lie in attempt to take control of the game.

Two immunity challenges and two Tribal Councils raise the stakes, forcing castaways to consider big moves on their biggest threats.

Castaways get a much-needed morale boost with a visit from their loved ones, and one Survivor is faced with a game-changing decision.

With the title of Sole Survivor on the line and $1 million within arm's reach, one castaway falls victim to a heartbreaking medical emergency.

The winner is revealed as the 20 castaways reunite in Los Angeles to discuss the season.